Not Even Human

Chapter Twelve

I sighed as I looked through my closet. There was nothing decent to wear… what does one wear for an engagement announcement anyways?

I found a nice and sleek cocktail dress, black and smooth that flared out at the waist. Plus some black high heel boots would be fine… I nodded to myself, dressing in the outfit and braiding my hair to the side. Gabriel had said he’d be here after getting the ring… so now I was just waiting.

I went to my phone, texting Mr. Fernandez to see how he’s been in the city. Thank God for the rules about not feeding on the locals… I wondered briefly if I should tell Mr. Fernandez. He already knew about me, who I was. And wasn’t he bound to find out if I’ve gotten engaged or something?

The knock on the door released me from those worrisome thoughts. I went to it and opened it happily, blushing when I saw Gabriel in a suit. It was navy blue, the shirt inside white, and the cuff links sparkled silver.

“Too much?” He looked anxious.

I laughed, “No. This is all just so… weird. Heh.”

“Why? ‘Cause we’re getting engaged?”

“I barely met you a couple days ago and now I'm supposed to pretend to be with you. But even then, who’s going to buy any of this?” I felt stressed. I felt like something was going to happen and I was going to be betrayed, or my luck would run out-

“Hey.” He gently grabbed my hand, “Things like this actually happen a lot more often than you think.”

“Seriously?” I furrowed my brows, feeling confused.

“Vampires can be impulsive. They’ll meet someone, have a connection, and just go for it.” He shrugged, tucking my hair behind my ear. “Why do you think my dad thought this crazy idea in the first place?”

I nodded with a sigh, “Well, that makes me feel a lot better for sure.”

“Good. Because…” Gabe pulled out something from the inside of his coat, a small box coated in red velvet. He got on one knee, and I scoffed before snorting into laughter. He grinned, laughing even as he spoke, “This cost me with my dad, not gonna lie but...”

He opened the box, and I gasped at the sight of the ring. It was a simplistic one, one small circle band with a small circle diamond, yet the diamond shined as beautiful as ever.

“I’m glad you like it.” His eyes sparkled up at me, and I barely realized the significance of him not wearing his glasses around me. “It was my mother’s, and my dad got it in Japan. It’s called ‘YAEGESUMI’. It’s supposed to symbolize lingering love that surpasses both time and space…” He gently grabbed the ring, and gestured to my hand. “May I?”

I nodded, holding my hand out as my heart beat at almost an alarming rate. He gingerly slipped the ring onto my finger, and I was amazed at it. It must mean so much to his family…

“I know this is a lot to handle. And I’m sorry it’s all happening so soon or too fast, but either way… I’m kind of glad we’re in this together.” He stood, putting the box on the counter and sighing, “Even though this must all be really weird for you.”

I smiled reassuringly at his worried eyes, “It is really weird.”

“Yeah.” He chuckled, “So you ready, fiancé?”

I nodded with a smirk, “Of course, fiancé.”

-

The minute we walked into their office, it was like a thick tension swarmed and hit me in the face. Benjamin stood as we walked to stand by him. Gabriel’s hand was still on the small of my back, and it was the only thing keeping me grounded at this point. From what I could observe, the witch coven had a single female representative, and the one from the wolves had two; a man and a woman.

Benjamin spoke smoothly, and I didn’t doubt that’s where Nico had gotten his powers from. “I have great news… My son has chosen a mate. They’re engaged.”

I instinctively clutched at Gabriel’s side under the alpha wolf’s sudden glare as he spoke, “This one?”

I felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny. Gabriel’s hand went to my hair, feeling the braid as he spoke, “Her name is Kim. And I would appreciate it if your wolves stopped trying to kill her.”

Benjamin scolded his son, “Gabriel-“

The witch suddenly stood, her glare fixating on the alpha, “What? Are you trying to harm-“

“My son, Jackson, made a mistake. It won’t happen again-“

I raised my chin in both anger and pride as I interrupted him, “No, it won’t.”

The alpha huffed before standing with his wife, and it seemed as if they were about to leave before Benjamin spoke. “Before you leave, would you consider staying for the party?”

I leaned in to Gabriel, silently questioning him with a look. He shrugged. The blonde haired witch stood with a smile, “A party?”

“The engagement party.” Benjamin gestures to us, and I clutched at Gabriel’s sleeve.

A surprise engagement party? Good thing I wore a dress.

-

The ballroom was huge. I didn’t even know they had a floor devoted to parties, but they did. Chandeliers here and there, tables chalk full of vampires from the clan, and us along with Gabriel’s family at the head table. I couldn’t believe Benjamin had pulled the rug from under us on this one. I was not prepared for all this... banquet type of stuff. The only thing I was looking forward too was the hope that there might be food.

Gabriel leaned in while his father spoke, a small announcement of why everyone was here, which was giving me anxiety about how they would react. His voice was a mere whisper among everyone, “He really did a number on us this time, huh?”

I nodded, “Pretty much. I’m surprised we’re not getting married tonight.”

He chuckled before his father slapped the back of his head, and I restrained a giggle.

Benjamin grinned, “Now you’ve heard me drone on about the importance of love and family... and while I’m sure you’re eager to dig in. To finally announce the reason we’re all here...” Everyone held their breath except our ‘honored’ guests from the coven and pack. “It is to celebrate my son’s choosing of a mate!”

Gabriel and I stood as multiple people gasped around the room, and I couldn’t help the redness that went to my face as Gabe’s hand wrapped securely around my waist. Multiple vampire women scrutinized me, scrutinized us, and I merely waved with a sheepish smile at everyone. After five seconds seconds of disbelief, people started clapping politely.

I inwardly frowned, but if some stranger who wandered into my family a couple days ago and was now marrying someone, I’d be upset too.

“And now- we feast!” On command, people came in wheeling in tables of food. I practically drooled at the sight, and Gabriel leaned in to tell me that the crab was to die for.

Victoria, who sat next to me leaned in, “Congratulations.” Her mouth was red and smirking as she looked me up and down. She was judging me, justifiably of course.

I tensed, knowing she knew that something was up. Her and Nico knew I kissed Monica, but only she knew how I felt about her. She had never seen me hold any regard for Gabriel, but it’s not like I told her we had some things between me and her brother either. She knew this engagement though, was full of s**t.

The waiter gave me my food with a smile, some fried soft shell crab and sushi on the side with a soft drink. I smiled back, fake of course, and ate my worries away.

I leaned into Gabriel, whispering, “We need to talk.” He looked at me alarmed, and I motioned to my plate, “After I eat, though.”